SOFHA Updates State of Franklin Healthcare Associates Earns NCQA Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration by SOFHA Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019 State of Franklin Healthcare Associates’ (SoFHA) primary care practices have recently earned a Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care. NCQA Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration is available to NCQA-Recognized Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). Practices that earn PCMH Recognition have made a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a patient-centered approach to care. NCQA’s Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration recipients have put the right resources, evidence-based protocols, standardized tools and quality measures in place to support the broad needs of patients with behavioral health conditions such as mental illness and substance use disorders, which are often under-diagnosed or diagnosed late, delaying treatment. This leads to poorer health outcomes and higher cost of care. “Many times, behavioral health conditions are first identified by a primary care provider,” said Margaret E. O’Kane, NCQA President. “So, adding behavioral health care services in a primary care setting is a real opportunity for patients. It knocks down barriers to behavioral care and improves overall health.” State of Franklin Healthcare Associates, a physician-owned and operated medical group serving Northeast Tennessee, is a progressive, patient-centered system of 15 practices and over 140 providers. Since its inception, SoFHA has been providing state-of-the-art primary healthcare services to patients of all ages within the region. SoFHA sees over 120,000 attributed patients and its model of healthcare delivery incorporates patient-physician partnering and preventive measures as key components to achieving long-term, better health for patients. Our board-certified physicians, physician extenders and medical staff strive to enhance the quality of life by providing excellent, patient-centered care. Visit SoFHA.net or call 423.794.5000. NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s website (www.ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices. Posted in SOFHA Updates